Richard Mason

Richard William Mason, 86 of Independence, MO passed away, Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow in Floral Hills Cemetery. Donations may be made to American Cancer Society. Richard was born March 28, 1927 in Weaubleau, MO, to Earl and Bessie (Callen) Mason. He was united in marriage on February 14, 1947, in Kansas, to the love of his life Betty Watson. Richard was a United States Army veteran having served in World War II. He had worked at Barnes and Phillips as a sheet metal worker where he received his 60 year pin and was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union #2. Richard was involved in many organizations such as: VFW Post #1000, American Legion Post #21, Mid America Mustang Club, Masonic Lodge #76, where he was a 32nd degree mason, Shriner, Scottish Rite and the Susquehanna Home Owners Association. He was a member of the First Baptist Church serving as a deacon for more than 20 years. Richard enjoyed fishing, woodworking, Royals and Chiefs fan, telling jokes, and especially working on his mustangs. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Betty Mason, of the home; one daughter, Debbie Taibi and her husband Joe, Independence, MO; two grandsons, Matthew Blake Wright, Kansas City; and Joseph Taibi III. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Denny and Bob Mason.